– **Title**: Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss them well in the marinade to ensure they are fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor).
4. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
5. Turn the chicken thighs over and then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken thighs rest for about 5 minutes.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Enjoy your flavorful Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for this recipe as they stay juicy while cooking. If you only have boneless thighs, they’ll work too; just adjust the cooking time, as they will cook faster.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps the seasoning stick. You can swap it with avocado oil or melted butter if you’d like a different flavor.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: This is the star of the dish, packing a citrusy kick. If you don’t have it on hand, you can blend some black pepper with lemon zest and salt as a substitute.
Red Pepper Flakes: These are optional for heat. If you want a milder dish, you can skip them or replace them with a dash of smoked paprika for a different flavor without the spiciness.
How Do I Get Crispy Chicken Skin?
Achieving perfectly crispy skin is all about the drying and the temperature. Make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels; moisture will make it hard for the skin to get crispy. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat: Get your oven nice and hot at 425°F (220°C) to create a good sear on the skin.
- Rub the oil: Generously rub olive oil on the skin; it helps in browning and crisping.
- Bake: Place them skin-side up to let the heat circulate. Avoid flipping them so the skin stays crisp.
- Rest: After baking, let the thighs rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This keeps them juicy.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 1 large lemon, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes (for extra heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 35-45 minutes to bake in the oven. Total time is roughly 50-55 minutes. Perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help get that delicious, crispy skin on your chicken thighs.
2. Prepare the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This blend will give your chicken a fantastic flavor!
3. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy. Drizzle the olive oil over the thighs and rub it in to coat them evenly. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, making sure to cover every inch!
4. Arrange in the Baking Dish:
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a baking dish or roasting pan, skin-side up. This allows the skin to crisp up nicely while cooking.
5. Add Lemon Slices:
Take the thinly sliced lemon and arrange them on top of and around the chicken thighs. This not only adds flavor but also makes for a beautiful presentation!
6. Optional Spice:
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the chicken. This step is optional but adds a nice kick!
7. Bake It:
Put the pan in the hot oven and bake for about 35-45 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin should be crispy and golden. Yum!
8. Rest and Garnish:
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now your delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are ready! Serve them with your favorite sides, and enjoy the tasty meal!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead of Bone-In?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just reduce the baking time to around 25-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Boneless thighs cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
What If I Don’t Have Lemon Pepper Seasoning?
No worries! You can make a substitute by mixing 2 teaspoons of black pepper with the zest of one lemon and a pinch of salt. Alternatively, use a combination of garlic powder, salt, and a bit of paprika for an extra kick.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This will help keep the skin crispy!
Can I Grill the Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! You can grill the chicken thighs over medium heat. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they reach the internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Grilling adds a lovely smoky flavor!
